SAN JUAN ALOTENANGO, March 11 -- Guatemala's Volcano of Fire has erupted, leading authorities to evacuate nearly 300 families and warn that an additional 30,000 people in surrounding areas may be at risk.

The eruption began overnight, with no immediate reports of casualties. Standing at 12,300 feet (3,763 meters), the volcano is one of the most active in Central America and last erupted in June 2023.

AI and scientists unite to decipher old scrolls charred by the Vesuvius volcano

On Monday, the volcano released gas and ash high into the sky, causing authorities to close nearby schools and a vital road connecting communities.

Claudinne Ugalde, secretary of the disaster agency, stated, "Around 30,000 people are at risk in these three (ju...